Device and system for assisting actuation of a buckle release

ABSTRACT

A device and system that can be used to assist actuation of a buckle release is disclosed. A device can comprise a first arm and a second arm joined by a U-shaped connecting portion. The device can also comprise a button contact feature. The device can be inserted over a buckle with the button contact feature over a buckle release button, and the device used to assist engagement of the buckle release button by a person operating the device. A system can comprise a device and various additional features or accessories.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/970,833, filed May 3, 2018, which application is a Continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 15/799,911, filed Oct. 31, 2017, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,271,617, which application claims the benefit of and priority toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/415,407, entitled “DEVICE ANDSYSTEM FOR ASSISTING ACTUATION OF A BUCKLE RELEASE,” filed Oct. 31,2016. The entire disclosures of the aforementioned applications areincorporated herein by reference for any purpose.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a device and system for actuation of abuckle release. In particular, the disclosure relates to a device andsystem that can be used to assist actuation of buckle release buttons inrestraint system buckles.

BACKGROUND

Restraint systems such as child safety seats used in automobiles as wellas restraint systems used in other settings frequently include abuckle-type fastening mechanism to secure two or more portions of therestraint system around a restraint system occupant. A buckle-typefastening mechanism generally includes a buckle attached to an end of afirst section of restraint system belting and a tongue or latch plateportion attached to a second section of restraint system belting. Thetongue is inserted into the buckle where it is releasably latched tosecure the first and second sections of restraint system belting. Childsafety seats frequently include a third section of belting with a secondtongue that is inserted into the buckle adjacent to the first tongue,with both tongues being secured by the buckle.

A buckle generally comprises a housing containing a spring-loadedlatching mechanism for releasably latching the tongue or tongues withinthe buckle. A typical buckle housing comprises an aperture containing anactuating button for operating and releasing the latching mechanism. Aspring in the latching mechanism exerts a bias urging the button and/orlatching mechanism toward the latched position. The button can beoperated by depressing the button using a thumb or fingertip against thebias of the spring with sufficient pressure to overcome the spring forceof the latching mechanism and move the button and mechanism from thelatched position to a release position, thereby causing the latchingmechanism to release the tongue(s) from the latched condition. In atypical buckle, the area of the actuating button approximates or isconfigured to be pressed by a person's thumb or fingertip. The surfaceof the actuating button against which the thumb or fingertip presses isgenerally flush with or recessed from the surface of the housingsurrounding the button.

A prior art buckle fastening system 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and1B. Buckle fastening system 100 includes buckle 101 comprising bucklehousing 102 and buckle release button 103. Buckle fastening system 100also includes first and second tongues 104 and 105. Buckle housing 102has a depth d. Buckle housing 102 further includes a button surround 106defining an opening in the front face of the buckle that defines theopening for buckle release button 103. Buckle release buttons can beconfigured in a variety of shapes, including the square and circularbuttons 203A and 203B of prior art buckle fastening systems 200A and200B illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, as well as variousother geometric and irregular shapes.

Buckle fastening systems such as those described above can beinconvenient or challenging for certain people to operate for variousreasons, including individual variability in hand and finger size andstrength, certain physical or medical conditions such as tendonitis andarthritis, and the like. Likewise, the force required for actuation ofbuckle releases used for certain car seat models can be relatively high,creating discomfort, pain, or fatigue for users, for example, that maybe required to operate such a buckle on a frequent basis in variouscircumstances. Devices and systems that can be used to assist actuationof buckle releases are desirable.

The present disclosure provides devices and systems that can be used toassist actuation of a restraint system buckle release button.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a device for actuating a buckle release buttoncan comprise a first arm, a second arm, and a connecting portiondisposed between the first arm and the second arm. A first arm cancomprise a first end and a button contact feature with a button contactsurface. The first arm can define a first axis, and the second arm candefine a second axis. The connecting portion can comprise a U-shape, andthe first arm and the second arm can comprise a laterally-opposedconfiguration. A device for actuating a buckle release button cancomprise an attachment feature. A device can have a unitary constructionand can comprise a polymer material. A device can be configured to beelastically deformable in one of the first arm, the second arm, and theconnecting portion to provide for movement of the button contact surfacethrough a first deflection distance in response to a first deflectionforce. A device can be configured to provide a first restoring force inresponse to the movement through the first deflection distance. A devicecan comprise a first spring constant. A device can comprise a reliefslot. A relief slot can be disposed in one of the first arm, the secondarm, and the connecting portion of a device. A relief slot can providefor one of a reduced first restoring force and a reduced first springconstant relative to an equivalent device lacking a relief slot.

A first deflection distance can be sufficient to actuate a bucklerelease device. A button contact feature can comprise a button contactfeature height. The button contact feature height can be configured toprovide buckle housing clearance at the first deflection distance. Adevice can comprise an inter-arm dimension. In various embodiments, aninter-arm dimension can be configured to provide a clearance fit withrespect to a buckle housing. In various embodiments, an inter-armdimension can be configured to provide a compression fit with respect toa buckle release button. Insertion of a buckle into a device configuredto provide a compression fit with respect to a buckle release button canproduce a first deflection force, and the first restoring force producedby the device in response to the first deflection force can providebuckle release actuation assistance.

In various embodiments, a system for actuating a buckle release isprovided. A system can comprise a buckle release device and anattachment device. A buckle release device can comprise an attachmentfeature configured to receive an attachment device. The attachmentdevice can be inserted into the attachment feature and can be removablyattached to the attachment feature. An attachment device can compriseone of a key ring, a carabiner, a steel cable loop, a chain, a wire, anda lanyard. A system in accordance with various embodiments can compriseone of a flashlight and a seat belt cutter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may bestbe obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the drawing figures.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate front and side views of a prior art bucklefastening system, respectively;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate prior art buckle fastening systems havingdifferent buckle release button shapes;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of a device for actuating abuckle release button in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a device for actuating a bucklerelease button in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a device for actuating a bucklerelease button in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a device for actuating abuckle release button in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a device for actuating a bucklerelease button in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate side and perspective views of a device foractuating a buckle release button in accordance with variousembodiments; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate side views of devices for actuating a bucklerelease button that include a belt cutter in accordance with variousembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration and their best mode. While these exemplary embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the inventions, it should be understood that other embodimentsmay be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, thedetailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustrationonly and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of themethod or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are notnecessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any referenceto singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more thanone component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also,any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may includepermanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possibleattachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (orsimilar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

As used herein, the term “actuate” means to cause a device to operate,such as a fastening mechanism release.

As used herein, the term “spring constant” means an approximation of afactor characteristic of an elastically deformable material in aparticular configuration within the elastic limits of the material inthe configuration.

As used herein, the term “unitary construction” means constructed of asingle piece of material.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a device 300 is illustrated. Asdescribed herein, device 300 can be used to assist actuation of a bucklefastening system. In accordance with various embodiments, device 300 cancomprise a first arm 301, a second arm 302, and a connecting portion 305disposed between the first arm and the second arm. First arm 301 canhave an elongated configuration and define a first axis A-A′, and secondarm 302 can have an elongated configuration and defines a second axisB-B′. In various embodiments, a first arm, second arm, and/or connectingportion can have a square or rectangular cross section, or they can havea circular, ellipsoid, or other geometric or non-geometric crosssection. Device 300 can be configured such that first arm 301 and secondarm 302 comprise a laterally-opposed configuration, as illustrated, withdistal end 303 of first arm 301 and distal end 304 of second arm 302configured opposite one another. Connecting portion 305 can comprise aU-shaped segment joining the proximal ends of first arm 301 and secondarm 302. In various embodiments, axes A-A′ and B-B′ of a device such asdevice 300 can be substantially aligned with one another, or the axesmay converge or diverge from the distal ends of the first and secondarms to the proximal portion of the arms. In various embodiments, aconnecting portion can have other configurations or profiles, such as arectangular profile or any other profile suitable to provide a firstdevice arm and a second device arm in a laterally-opposed configuration.

First arm 301 and second arm 302 can define a buckle space 306 betweenthe interior surfaces of the arms. Device 300 can comprise a buttoncontact feature 307 extending into the buckle space 306 from theinterior surface of first arm 301. Button contact feature 307 cancomprise a button contact surface 308 facing toward second arm 302.Button contact feature 307 may be located near the distal end of firstarm 301. In various embodiments, first arm 301 may extend distally pastthe location of button contact feature 307. Button contact feature 307and button contact surface 308 can be configured to operatively engage abuckle fastening system button, as described in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, device 300 can comprise an attachment feature309. An attachment feature such as attachment feature 309 can comprise aflange or protrusion configured to facilitate attachment of device 300to a set of keys, for example, by using an attachment device such as akey ring, carabiner, a steel cable loop, a chain, a wire, or a lanyard.Attachment feature 309 can comprise an aperture 310 through which anattachment device can be inserted. With reference briefly to FIG. 6 , akey ring 612 is illustrated inserted into aperture 610 of attachmentfeature 609 for device 600. With reference once more to FIGS. 3A and 3B,attachment feature 309 can be located on an outer surface of connectingportion 305, first arm 301, or second arm 302, or any other suitablelocation. In various embodiments, a connecting feature need not comprisea protrusion, and instead can comprise an aperture or other feature ofdevice 300 that does not extend from a surface of device 300.

In various embodiments, device 300 can comprise a relief slot 311.Relief slot 311 can be disposed in one of the first arm 301, the secondarm 302, and the connecting portion 305. In various embodiments, reliefslot 311 may be disposed in more than one portion of device 300. Forexample and as illustrated, relief slot 311 extends through connectingportion 305 and into proximal portions of first arm 301 and second arm302. In various embodiments, a relief slot may also serve as anattachment feature. In various embodiments and as further describedbelow, a relief slot such as relief slot 311 may be configured to reduceone of the first restoring force and the first spring constant of device300 as compared to an equivalent device that is not configured with arelief slot.

In various embodiments, a device such as device 300 may be manufacturedfrom a polymer material. Polymer materials that may be used can include,for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PES), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (PA) includingvarious nylons, polyethylene/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PE/ABS),and polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(PC/ABS), as well as various resins or materials compatible with variousadditive manufacturing processes and/or 3D printers, such as StratasysPolyJet materials. In various embodiments, a device can comprise naturalmaterials such as wood, bamboo, hemp- or algal-based biopolymers, andthe like. Natural materials can be used in a composite material, forexample, a wood and adhesive laminate (i.e., plywood). In variousembodiments comprising a laminated material, layers may be oriented suchthat the layer arrangement is visible in a side view. In variousembodiments comprising laminate wood or plywood, the grains of theveneers may be configured to permit a suitable level of flexibilityand/or a suitable spring constant. Composite materials such as carbonfiber-, graphite fiber-, and graphene fiber-reinforced polymers may beused in a device in accordance with various embodiments. Likewise, adevice can comprise metals or metal alloys including steel, titanium,chromium, cobalt-chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, and the like.

In various embodiments, a device such as device 300 can comprise aphosphorescent (and/or photoluminescent) material to provide the devicewith a capacity to glow in dark conditions. For example, aphosphorescent material such as zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate canbe incorporated into the device, such as by incorporation into a polymercomposite used to manufacture the device or by applying to the device ina coating. Use of phosphorescent material in a device to confer aglow-in-the-dark characteristic can facilitate a user's ability tolocate the device under dark conditions.

In various embodiments, a device such as device 300 may be unitarilyconstructed, such as by injection molding or additive manufacturing as asingle component. In various other embodiments, a device can comprisetwo or more components attached to one another by various mechanicalattachment methods including adhesives, welding, fastening, joinery,hinge, or other mechanical attachment. For example and with referencebriefly to FIG. 5 , device 500 comprises a hinge 520 configured in theconnecting portion 505 between first arm 501 and second arm 502. Any ofa variety of hinge configurations may be suitable for use in a device inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Invarious embodiments, a hinge or other mechanical attachment can includea spring configured to bias the first arm and the second arm of thedevice toward an open position suitable to receive a buckle in bucklespace 506.

With reference again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the illustrated device 300comprises a unitary construction. Device 300 can be configured to beelastically deformable in one of the first arm 301, the second arm 302,and the connecting portion 305. The elastically deformable configurationof device 300 can provide for movement of button contact surface 308through a first deflection distance relative to the position of thesecond arm 302 in response to a first deflection force. The device canbe configured to produce a first restoring force in response to movementthrough the first deflection distance biased in a direction opposite thefirst deflection distance. In various embodiments, the first restoringforce can be produced as a function of the spring constant of anelastically deformable material used to fabricate the device, forexample, for unitarily constructed devices such as device 300, inresponse to movement of the device through the first deflectiondistance. In various other embodiments, the first restoring force can beproduced by a spring or other component of a mechanical connection, suchas the hinge mechanism illustrated for device 500 (FIG. 5 ).

In various embodiments, the first deflection distance can be in adirection toward the second arm. For example and with reference now toFIG. 4 , typical buckle housings used for buckle fastening mechanismsmay have buckle housing depths of from about 0.75 in to about 1.25 in. Adevice such as device 400 can be configured such that distance D1 (i.e.,the inter-arm dimension) provides for clearance of a typical bucklehousing relative to a buckle housing depth dimension, enabling anoperator to insert device 400 around a buckle housing without deflectionor deformation of the device. The operator may position device 400relative to the buckle so that button contact feature 407 is positionedover the buckle release button. When device 400 is suitably positioned,the operator may squeeze device 400 to compress the device, engagingbutton contact surface 408 with the underlying buckle release button asthe button contact surface travels through the first deflection distancein response to the first deflection force provided by the operator. Inoperation, the first deflection distance may be suitable to actuate thebuckle release button, releasing the buckle from the latched conditionto the unlatched condition. A device may be configured to provide afirst deflection distance suitable to produce a sufficient button traveldistance for various buckle release buttons. For example, the buttontravel distance required for actuation of various buckle release buttonscan be from about 0.10 in to about 0.40 in. A device may also beconfigured to provide any additional deflection distance necessary toprovide a device with a clearance fit (i.e., the distance between thebutton contact surface and the button surface). In various embodiments,a device may be configured to provide a first deflection distance withinthe range of from about 0.10 in to about 1.30 in. In variousembodiments, a device can be configured to be compatible with aparticular buckle fastening system or with selected buckle fasteningsystems, and different devices can be configured to operate withdifferent buckle fastening systems. A device in accordance with variousembodiments can be configured to provide a first deflection distancesufficient to produce actuation of various buckle release buttons forany buckle fastening system now in existence or that may be produced inthe future.

In operation of a device in accordance with the embodiment describedabove providing a clearance fit relative to a buckle fastening system,an operator must overcome the restoring force produced by the device inresponse to elastic deformation of the device and movement of the buttoncontact surface through the first deflection distance. In variousembodiments, the restoring force and/or spring constant of the devicemay depend on the configuration of the device, including, for example,the materials, dimensions, and other features of the device.Additionally, in operation of a device in accordance with the embodimentdescribed above, the operator must overcome the force biasing the bucklerelease button toward the latched position. The restoring force and/orspring constant of a device may depend on the configuration of thedevice, including the material used, the shape and dimensions of thedevice, the presence, location, and configuration of features such as arelief slot or a hinge, and the like. In various embodiments, a devicecan be configured such that the force required to produce a firstdeflection distance suitable to actuate a buckle release button can befrom about 1.0 newtons to about 8.0 newtons. For example, the forcerequired to produce the first deflection distance may be about 1.0, 1.5,2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, or about 8.0newtons. In various embodiments, the force required to produce a firstdeflection distance suitable to actuate a buckle release button can beproduced by a device operator with a grip force that is lower than thatof an average population to allow a device to be operated by individualswith various physical conditions that may negatively affect grip force.For example, a grip force required to produce a first deflectiondistance suitable to actuate a buckle release button can be less thanabout 50 N, or less than about 40 N, or less than about 30 N, or lessthan about 25 N, or less than about 20 N, or less than about 15 N, orless than about 10 N. In various embodiments, a device can comprise arelief slot such as relief slot 311 (FIG. 3 ) that may be configured toprovide a reduced first restoring force and/or spring constant ascompared to an equivalent device comprising the same material and thesame dimensions but lacking the relief slot.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, adevice can be configured to provide suitable strength and structuralrigidity for durability and reliable operation of the device over manybuckle release cycles. A device can also be configured to provide arestoring force and/or spring constant during operation of the device toproduce a first deflection distance that is sufficiently low that it isnot prohibitive to users. For examples, users of a device may havecertain physical or medical limitations that present challenges tocompression of a buckle release button without the aid of a device asdisclosed herein, or to compression of a device such as those disclosedherein that do not include a feature configured to reduce the restoringforce and/or spring force constant such as a relief slot or a hinge. Arelief slot can be disposed in one of the first arm, the second arm, andthe connecting portion. The configuration of a relief slot, includingthe position and size can be adjusted to “tune” the restoring forceand/or spring force constant of a device. For example, a longer or awider relief slot can produce a decreased spring force constant comparedto a shorter or a narrower relief slot.

In various embodiments, a device can be configured with relief areas. Arelief area may be provided for various reasons, such as to reduce theamount of material required to manufacture a device and/or to reduce theoccurrence of manufacturing irregularities such as sink marks ordepressions that may occur in thicker portions of injection moldeddevices. With reference briefly to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a device 800 with arelief area 850 is illustrated. Relief area 850 is defined by aperimeter wall 851 and an inner wall 852. Device 800 can comprise a pairof relief areas such as relief area 850 configured on opposite sides offirst arm 801.

In various embodiments, a configuration of a device such as device 400(FIG. 4 ) can provide an operator with certain benefits facilitatingexertion of sufficient force to produce the first deflection distance.For example, the configuration of the device can provide enhancedergonomics, such as by providing added surface area by which an operatorcan exert force on the buckle release button, permitting engagement ofadditional fingers or portions of the operator's hand(s), or byproviding a mechanical advantage, such as by extension of the distalends of the first arm and/or the second arm distally from the connectingportion (i.e., the fulcrum) to produce enhanced leverage (i.e., via aclass two lever) with the operator able to exert force distally to thebutton (i.e., the load).

In various other embodiments, a device such as device 400 can beconfigured such that distance D1 provides for a compression fit around abuckle housing and/or buckle release button. For example, a device canbe configured such that distance D1 is less than a buckle housing depthand/or a distance from the front face of a buckle button in a latchedposition and the back of the buckle housing. In such an embodiment,insertion of a device around a buckle will produce a first deflectiondistance resulting in the buckle contact surface moving away from thesecond arm of the device. A tapered front surface of the button contactfeature may facilitate opening of the arms of the device and movement ofthe buckle contact surface through a first deflection distance inresponse to contact with a button housing and lateral pressure andmovement of the device relative to the buckle housing to produceinsertion of the buckle. The first restoring force produced by thedevice can provide buckle release actuation assistance, with the bias ofthe device in a direction opposite of that producing the firstdeflection distance tending to produce depression of a buckle releasebutton when the button contact surface engages the button. In variousembodiments, a device can be configured such that the restoring force issufficient to actuate a buckle release button, or a device can beconfigured such that the restoring force is sufficient to partiallyactuate a release button, and further compressive force must be providedby an operator to fully actuate a buckle release button. In suchembodiments, the compressive force provided by an operator may be lessthan that required for an equivalent device configured to provide aclearance fit rather than a compression fit.

In various embodiments, the button contact feature may be configured toengage and/or actuate a buckle release button of one or more bucklefastening systems. For example, the button contact surface may beconfigured with a length and a width suitable to engage a button surfaceof one or more buckle fastening systems without interference from asurrounding buckle housing. For example, a button contact surface may beconfigured with a length and width of about 0.5 in in each dimension,and such a button configuration may be compatible with square orrectangular buttons as well as round, oval, or irregularly shapedbuttons with dimensions larger than that of the button contact surface.Likewise, a button contact feature may be configured with a buttoncontact feature height H (FIG. 4 ) suitable to provide actuation of oneor more buckle fastening system buttons while preventing contact orinterference between the buckle housing and the inner surface of thefirst arm (i.e., buckle housing clearance) during operation, such aswhen the button contact feature has moved through a first deflectiondistance. Moreover, a device may be configured with a buckle space depthD2 suitable to prevent interference between an inner wall of theconnecting portion and the lateral wall of a buckle housing, and/or toprovide sufficient space for an operator to insert one or more fingersbetween the inner wall of the connecting portion and the buckle housingto facilitate removal of the device from the buckle following actuationof the buckle release button. In various embodiments, D2 can be fromabout 1.25 in to about 2.5 in.

A device disclosed herein may provide certain advantages, such asreducing pressure transmitted from the buckle housing to a restrainedchild or passenger during actuation of the buckle release button due tothe laterally-opposed configuration of the first arm and the second arm.In contrast, simple operation of a button by depression with anoperator's finger or other prior art tools for pressing a button thatlack an opposing arm either transmit pressure through the buckle housingto the person under the buckle housing or require the operator to usehis hand or fingers to provide an opposing force. In addition, thedevices disclosed herein do not require attachment to the buckle or anassociated strap, as required by other prior art devices. Instead, thedevices disclosed herein are designed to be removably inserted around abuckle with each use, with the device remaining under the control andsupervision of a mature operator, for example, a driver or parent,thereby preventing inadvertent or unsupervised operation by a restrainedchild or other passenger at inappropriate moments.

In various embodiments, a system that can be used to assist actuation ofa buckle release button is provided. A system can comprise a device inaccordance with the present disclosure. A system can further comprise anattachment device. The attachment device can be connected to theattachment feature. An attachment device can comprise a ring, a chain, acarabiner, a wire, a cable, a lanyard, a strap, or similar device. Anattachment device can be any device suitable to attach the device, forexample, to an operator's key set or other similarly accessible andportable accessory.

In various embodiments, a system can comprise a light. A light can beincorporated in a buckle release device. For example and with referenceto FIG. 6 , a light 630 can be inserted into distal end of first arm 601of device 600. A light can also be inserted in other locations in adevice, such as the second arm or the connecting portion. A system cancomprise, for example, an LED flashlight removably inserted into abuckle release device. A system can further comprise a battery for alight inserted into the buckle release device. The device can beconfigured so that the light and/or battery are removably inserted sothat the battery can be replaced as needed. A system can furthercomprise a switch for operation of a light, such as switch 631. A switchmay be co-located with the light and the buckle release deviceconfigured to permit access to the switch on the inserted light, or theswitch may be located remotely from the light, with wiring or othercircuitry running between the light and the switch. A switch may belocated in a position that provides for convenient operation of thelight during operation of the buckle release device, such as insertionof the buckle release device over a buckle.

In various embodiments, a system can comprise a whistle. A whistle maybe attached to a buckle release device or integrated into a bucklerelease device. A whistle may provide an operator with convenient accessto a safety whistle for use in emergency situations.

In various embodiments, a system can comprise a glass breaker. A glassbreaker can comprise a pointed steel tip, such as a tungsten carbidetip, attached to the buckle release device. A glass breaker can alsocomprise an automatic center punch tool, such as a spring loadedautomatic center punch. A glass breaker may be attached, for example, atthe distal end of the first arm or the second arm or to an outer wall ofthe connecting portion.

In various embodiments, a system can also comprise a bottle opener. Withreference to FIG. 7 , a system can comprise a device 700 with a bottleopener 740 located in an outer wall of first arm 701. A system cancomprise a device with a bottle opener located in other locations of thedevice, such as the second arm or the connecting portion.

In various embodiments, a system can comprise a seat belt cutter. A seatbelt cutter can be integrated into a buckle release device for use inemergency situations. Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, devices withintegrated seat belt cutters are shown. Device 900A illustrated in FIG.9A includes a seat belt cutter comprising blade 960A embedded in firstarm 901A of device 900A with a belt slot 961A opening into the interiorof the device. Device 900B illustrated in FIG. 9B includes a seat beltcutter comprising blade 960B with a belt slot 961B opening toward thetop of first arm 901B. In operation, a device such as device 900A or900B comprising a seat belt cutter is positioned such that a seat beltis inserted into the opening of a belt slot such as 961A or 961B, andthe device is moved relative to the inserted seat belt such that theblade (e.g., blade 960A or 960B) contacts and cuts the inserted seatbelt. In various embodiments, a seat belt cutter may be configured so asto minimize risk of inadvertent contact with clothing or a child orperson restrained by a buckle fastening mechanism during use of thebuckle release device. For example a seat belt cutter may comprise aremovable safety gate that can be opened to expose the seat belt cutterblade and permit insertion of a seat belt into the cutter.

Example 1

Non-Destructive Deflection Test Data for Device Prototypes Constructedfrom ABS and Polypropylene

Prototypes of a device for actuating a buckle release in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure were manufactured fromacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and from polypropylene andsubjected to non-destructive testing to determine the pressure requiredto achieve various deflections of the button contact surface. Theresults are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Results of non-destructive deflection distance testing.Polypropylene ABS Pressure Deflection Deflection 0.42 lbs 0.05 in 0.10in 0.98 lbs 0.16 in 0.24 in 1.40 lbs 0.31 in 0.46 inFor the polypropylene prototype, 1.63 lbs of pressure was required toproduce sufficient deflection of the button contact surface to contactthe opposite arm (0.56 inches of deflection). For the ABS prototype,1.74 lbs of pressure was required to produce sufficient deflection ofthe button contact surface to contact the opposite arm (0.67 inches ofdeflection).

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of the inventions. The scope of the invention is accordingly tobe limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which referenceto an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where aphrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, itis intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may bepresent in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, Calone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of theelements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example,A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching isused throughout the figures to denote different parts but notnecessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided herein. In the detaileddescription herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “anexample embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described mayinclude a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but everyembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed. After reading the description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for actuating a buckle release buttoncomprising: a first arm comprising a button contact feature formedintegrally with the first arm and having a button contact surface,wherein the button contact surface is opposite an outer surface of thefirst arm; a second arm substantially parallel to the first arm; aconnecting portion disposed between and formed integrally with the firstarm and the second arm, wherein a distal end of the first arm translatestoward a distal end of the second arm to move the button contact surfacetoward the second arm through a first deflection distance in response toa squeezing force applied on the outer surface of the first arm and anouter surface of the second arm, wherein the first arm extends distallypast the button contact feature from the connecting portion to enhanceleverage at the button contact feature, wherein the outer surface of thefirst arm comprises an ergonomic surface area opposite the buttoncontact feature for finger engagement to apply the squeezing force,wherein the button contact feature and the ergonomic surface area arebetween the distal end of the first arm and the connecting portion,wherein the device is configured such that neither the first arm nor thesecond arm is operated as a class one lever, and wherein the firstdeflection distance is within a range of from about 0.1 inches to about1.3 inches; an attachment feature formed on at least one of the firstarm, the second arm, and the connection portion; and a relief structureformed in at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and theconnecting portion.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device isconfigured to provide a deflection distance of from about 0.1 inches toabout 0.7 inches.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first deflectiondistance is sufficient to actuate a buckle release button.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the device comprises an inter-arm dimension.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the inter-arm dimension is configured toprovide a compression fit with respect to a buckle release button. 6.The device of claim 5, wherein insertion of a buckle into the deviceproduces a first deflection force, and wherein a first restoring forceproduced by the device in response to the first deflection forceprovides a buckle release actuation assistance.
 7. The device of claim1, wherein the attachment feature comprises one of a flange or aprotrusion configured to facilitate attachment of the device to anattachment device.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachmentfeature comprises an aperture configured to insertably receive theattachment device.
 9. A device for actuating a buckle release buttoncomprising: a first arm comprising a first end, a first arm innersurface, a first arm outer surface, and a button contact feature with abutton contact surface, wherein the first end, the first arm innersurface, the first arm outer surface, and the button contact feature areformed integrally with the first arm, wherein the first arm outersurface includes an ergonomic surface opposite the button contactsurface for finger engagement; a second arm comprising a second end, asecond arm inner surface and a second arm outer surface; and aconnecting portion disposed between and formed integrally with the firstarm and the second arm, wherein the first end and the second end aredistal from the connecting portion; wherein the first arm extendsdistally past a location of the button contact feature; wherein thefirst arm inner surface and the second arm inner surface aresubstantially parallel; wherein the button contact feature is configuredto deflect towards the second arm inner surface in response to acompressive force applied to the ergonomic surface and the second armouter surface; wherein the device defines a first distance between thebutton contact surface and the second arm inner surface; wherein thedevice defines a second distance between the first arm outer surface andthe second arm outer surface at one of the first end or the second end;and wherein the device is configured such that neither the first arm northe second arm is operated as a class one lever; a flange formed on atleast one of the first arm, the second arm, and the connection portionand defining an opening configured for attachment.
 10. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the second distance is less than about 1.8 inches. 11.The device of claim 9, wherein two of the first arm inner surface, thefirst arm outer surface, the second arm inner surface, and the secondarm outer surface define a first plane and a second plane, and whereinthe first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, wherein the first outer arm surface and the secondouter arm surface define the first plane and the second plane.
 13. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the device defines a buckle space depth andan interarm distance between the first arm inner surface and the secondarm inner surface, and wherein the interarm distance is substantiallythe same at a plurality of points within the buckle space depth.
 14. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the button contact feature comprises asubstantially rectangular cross section at the button contact surface.15. The device of claim 9, wherein the button contact feature comprisesa tapered surface configured to facilitate opening of the device inresponse to insertion of a buckle.
 16. The device of claim 9, whereinthe connecting portion comprises a hinge.
 17. The device of claim 16,wherein the hinge comprises a first portion formed integrally with thefirst arm and a second portion formed integrally with the second arm,wherein the first portion is coupled to the second portion by the hinge.18. A device for actuating a buckle release button comprising: a firstarm including a first end, a first outer surface, and a first interiorsurface opposite the first outer surface with a contact featureprotruding from the first interior surface, wherein the contact featureincludes a button contact surface, wherein the first outer surfaceincludes an ergonomic surface opposite the button contact surface; asecond arm comprising a second end and a second interior surface facingthe first interior surface, defining a buckle space between the firstinterior surface and a second interior surface, wherein the contactfeature protrudes from the first interior surface towards the secondarm; a connecting portion formed integrally with the first arm and thesecond arm, wherein the contact feature is configured to travel througha deflection distance within a range of from about 0.1 inches to about1.3 inches the buckle space in response to a compressive force appliedto the ergonomic surface moving the first arm towards the second arm,and wherein the device is configured such that neither the first arm northe second arm is operated as a class one lever; and a relief structureformed in at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and theconnecting portion.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first armand the second arm define an interarm distance between the firstinterior surface and the second interior surface, and wherein theinterarm distance is substantially the same at a plurality of pointsalong the first arm and the second arm.